If you are involved in a T-Bone accident, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. These accidents often cause serious injuries and significant damage to both vehicles. In most cases, one driver is found at fault. However, both drivers may be at fault in some cases, or a third party could be involved. That’s because several factors can contribute to these accidents.

At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our  Rock Hill car accident lawyers have years of experience helping car accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. Contact a car accident lawyer today for a free consultation if you have questions about who is at fault in a T-bone crash.

What is a T-Bone Accident?

T-bone collisions, also considered side-impact collisions, occur when one driver collides with the side of another vehicle. These accidents often happen at intersections because one driver may run a red light or stop sign, putting them in the line of oncoming traffic.

They also occur when a driver loses control of their car and skids sideways. T-bone accidents are particularly dangerous because the cars involved tend to be traveling at high speeds, and there is little to protect the drivers and passengers from serious injury.

What Causes a T-Bone Car Accident? 

There are several reasons why T-bone accidents occur, but most can be traced back to driver error. Some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents include:

• Running a red light or stop sign – This is the most common cause of T-bone accidents, as drivers often fail to obey traffic laws.
• Failing to yield – When a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic, they put themselves in danger of a T-bone accident.
• Making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic – This is another common cause of T-bone accidents, as drivers often do not check for oncoming traffic before making a left turn or mistakenly think they have enough time to make the turn.
• Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, and eating while driving can all lead to driver distraction and increase the risk of a T-bone accident.
• Drunk driving – Drunk drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.

If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer is important.

T-Bone Motorcycle Accidents

These accidents often occur when a car turning left fails to see an oncoming motorcycle and turns directly into its path. With little protection between the driver and the road, riders often are completely ejected from their bike, making motorcycle riders more likely to experience severe injuries in a motorcycle crash.

Like in a car accident, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a T-bone motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in a T-bone motorcycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor for a free consultation. We can help you determine who is at fault and file a claim for compensation.

How Common are T-Bone Accidents in Rock Hill?

There is no exact data for T-bone accidents in Rock Hill, South Carolina. However, according to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2019, over 2,000 car accidents occurred in South Carolina.

What to Do After a T-Bone Car Accident in Rock Hill, SC?

If you are involved in a T-bone accident, it is important to take the following steps:

• Check for injuries – Make sure that you and your passengers are okay and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Call the police – File a report with the police and get a copy of the accident report.
• Get contact information from the other driver – Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
• Take pictures of the accident scene and all the vehicles involved – Pictures can help prove who is at fault in an auto accident.
• Contact a car accident lawyer – The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you determine who is at fault and file a claim for compensation.

Types of T-Bone Car Accident Injuries

The type and severity of injuries you suffer in a T-bone accident will depend on several factors, including the speed of the cars involved, the size and weight of the vehicles, and the location of the impact.

Some common T-bone automobile accident injuries include:

• Whiplash – Whiplash is a common neck injury that can occur when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then back.
• Back and spinal cord injuries – These types of injuries can be very serious and may require long-term treatment.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Brain injuries can be life-threatening and may cause long-term damage.
• Eye injuries – Eye injuries can cause blindness or other long-term vision problems.
• Broken bones – When two cars collide, the force of the impact can cause the drivers and passengers to be thrown around inside the car or even out of the vehicle. This can lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs.
• Concussions – Concussions are caused by the sudden movement of the head, which can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. 

Liable Parties in a Rock Hill T-Bone Accident

If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, it is important to determine who is at fault. In most T-bone accidents, the driver who ran the red light or failed to yield is at fault. However, there may be other liable parties depending on the circumstances of the accident.

• The driver – The driver who caused the accident is typically liable for the damages suffered by the other drivers and passengers.
• The city or municipality – If a traffic signal was malfunctioning or a road defect caused or contributed to the accident, the city or municipality may be liable.
• The manufacturer of the traffic signal or roadway – If a defective traffic signal or roadway led to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable.
• The car manufacturer – This is usually the case if there is a defect in the vehicle that contributed to the accident. For example, if the brakes failed or the airbags did not deploy properly.
• Another driver – This could be a driver that makes a left turn on red, putting themselves in front of an oncoming car, causing that driver to swerve to avoid the collision, making them hit another vehicle. The driver who made the illegal turn would be liable for damages in this situation.

How Do I Prepare for My Rock Hill, SC Car Accident Case?

When you are preparing to file a personal injury claim in Rock Hill, SC, you can do a few things to help your lawyer and make the process easier for you.

• Gather evidence – This includes photographs of the accident scene, vehicles involved, witness statements, police reports, and medical records.
• Keep track of expenses – Keep track of any expenses you have due to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• Contact an attorney – It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. They will be able to help you determine who is at fault and get you the compensation you deserve.

Modified Comparative Negligence in South Carolina

Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that assigns blame for an accident to both parties involved. If the driver who hit you from behind is determined to be 50% or more at fault, you can still recover damages.

However, if you are found to be 51% at fault, the other driver will likely not be held liable for your damages.

This is why it is important to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a T-bone collision. They will be able to help you determine who is at fault and help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Your Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyer Will Prove Liability

To prove liability in a T-bone accident, your lawyer will likely rely on the following evidence:

• Pictures of the accident scene – These can help show who was at fault.
• Witness statements – Witnesses can testify what they saw happen leading up to and during the accident.
• Police reports – The police report will contain information about the accident, including who was at fault.
• Medical records – These documents will show the extent of your injuries and how they were caused.

Damages You Can Recover in a T-Bone Car Accident Claim

If you are injured in a T-bone car crash, you may be able to recover damages for the following:

• Medical bills – This includes both current and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages – If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can receive compensation for lost wages.
• Property damage – You can receive compensation for your car and other personal property damage, such as a car seat or a phone.
• Pain and suffering – You may be able to receive compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident.

Factors That May Impact Your Settlement Amount

The amount of money you receive in a settlement for your T-bone collision will be based on several factors, including:

• The extent of your injuries – The more serious your injuries are, the more money you will likely receive.
• Who is at fault – If the other driver is determined to be at 100% fault (as opposed to 51% at fault), you will likely receive more money in a settlement.
• The insurance company’s liability limits – If the insurance company’s liability limits are low, you may receive a smaller settlement. However, if the other driver’s insurance does not cover all of your expenses, you may be able to file a claim against your own insurance company if you have the proper coverage.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Rock Hill Today

Our auto accident attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases, including car accidents. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation. We value the attorney-client relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.